Social Worker – Permanence Team – Dorset Council

• £40.00 per hour
• Hybrid working – 3 days per week in the office
• Join a dedicated Permanence Team supporting children in long-term care planning
• Excellent management support and positive team culture
• Opportunity to work within a well-regarded local authority
• Long-term stable contract available

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Social Worker to join the Permanence Team at Dorset Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for a committed practitioner who is passionate about achieving long-term stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.

The role will involve working with children subject to care proceedings, long-term care planning, and permanency arrangements including adoption, special guardianship, and long-term fostering. You will work closely with children, carers, families, and partner agencies to ensure timely and effective permanence planning.

About the Local Authority

Dorset Council is recognised for its supportive working environment, child-focused approach, and commitment to high-quality social work practice. The service promotes reflective supervision, manageable team structures, and flexible hybrid working to support staff wellbeing and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of children requiring permanence planning and long-term care arrangements
• Undertaking assessments relating to adoption, special guardianship, and long-term fostering
• Progressing care planning and permanence outcomes within statutory timescales
• Preparing high-quality court reports, assessments, and care plans
• Working directly with children and families to achieve positive long-term outcomes
• Attending legal meetings, looked after children reviews, and multi-agency planning meetings
• Building strong working relationships with carers, partner agencies, and internal services
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case recordings in line with statutory requirements

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with a recognised Social Work qualification
• Registered with Social Work England
• Previous experience within Permanence, Looked After Children, or Children in Care services
• Strong knowledge of care planning, safeguarding, and court processes
• Experience completing assessments and preparing court reports
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work effectively within a busy frontline environment
• Enhanced DBS preferred

Why Work With Us?

• Competitive pay rate of £40.00 per hour
• Hybrid working with 3 office days per week
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment
• Access to additional local authority opportunities
• Referral bonus scheme available
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s lives through permanence planning

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Josh Dhumisani
📞 07902371315
📧 jdhumisani@sheldon-phillips.com